The Arena

3: Welcome to the Arena

"The 'Arena'?" My heart was beating a mile a minute. I had no idea what that meant, but it didn't sound too good. "What is The Arena?"

"Just shut up for once. I already told you, I can't tell you some things, you'll get your answers soon." He came to a stop and turned to face me, his helmet producing an eerie purple light.

"Look, boy, you may annoy me to death, but I can tell you're something special. I can't help but-" he froze. "You need to learn to watch your tongue. Because if you say anything out of line, they can, and will, kill you. We are going to go in there, they are going to explain everything to you, and you are going to be silent. For the whole thing. You understand? If you do anything that they don't like, they will kill you. Whether or not you live or die, that all depends on you. So may we continue?"

I didn't answer. I couldn't. I was frozen in my seat. Fear had struck me like a blade.

Zarbeck continued to drive. He pulled up to the wall, a barred gate stood infront of us. Two alien guards on either side. I looked around, a few snipers were scattered on the top of the walls.

"Identify yourself." One said. Zarbeck held out his wrist, and they put a small circular device to it. A holographic image of Zarbeck appeared, unfortunately with helmet on. Perhaps we would never know what they look like.

They opened the gate and let us in.

"Why are you guys always wearing that armor?" I asked.

"Orders from the Emperor."

We drove through the walls, and now I could really see the Arena. It didn't look much different from before. It was a huge rectangular building with that dome in the middle. Again the purple symbol appeared on it.

"What does that symbol mean?"

"It is the symbol of the Ulzarian Empire."

Short answers. He must either be really annoyed, or unable to say any more on the subject.

He pulled up into a space, and pulled me out of the vehicle, cuffs still on, just unchained to the car.

He pulled me along into the building, the halls were lit with purple lights and torches. Wow, these guys and their purple...

The halls were long, doors were lined everywhere on the sides. Why so many?

We continued through, until we reached large double doors. They were guarded, one on each side, and they opened them up revealing a large room with so many people kneeling with Ulzarians holding the chain to their cuffs.

In front of it all was a elevated platform, and a podium.

"Stay silent and kneel," Zarbeck whispered to me.

I hesitated, and he kicked the back of my knee, causing me to crumple. I resisted the urge to yell in pain.

A very large, intimidating Ulzarian took their place at the podium.

He spoke with a deep voice, smooth, yet scary.

"Welcome!" He had his helmet on, but I had a strange feeling he was eyeing me.

"My name is Emperor Nanylix. I am your world's new ruler. The last of you should be coming, if not already here. You are all probably very confused, and I'm afraid somethings have to remain that way. But I will tell you a few things.

"First, you're probably wondering why we have gathered all 128 of you here. And yes, there are exactly 128 for those of you who hadn't the time to count. 128. No more. No less. All ages 15-25. Well, there is a reason. You have a chance to achieve greatness. But, with great rewards, come great risks.

"You are gathered here because, like it or not, you are now a competitor in a tournament. Every single person around you is the enemy. There are seven rounds. Each are battles to the death."

The crowd let out a few gasps. People began whispering, but were soon silenced by the Ulzarians holding their chains.

The Emperor chuckled. "Yes. 64 battles in the first round, 32 in the second, 16 in the third, and so forth until there is only one left standing. He who wins the tournament will be granted a place at the head of the new Empire! However, it's not as simple as it seems...

"There will be two Game-Masters watching every battle. Should they get bored? They have total authorization to change up the game. They are in control of the Arena at all times, and let's just say, this Arena is special. You never know what to expect, so keep it entertaining, or expect them to do it for you."

All around, people eyes were filled with fear. My heart was beating faster and faster, and it wouldn't stop.

"In case you are wondering about loved ones, if they are not already dead, or one of those among you, then they are in enslavement. Before you start shouting, let me inform you, we can kill them anytime we want. But... wining this tournament will give you a place at the head of the Empire. A place of command."

My eyes widened. Mom. I could free her?

"Now that you are properly motivated, I expect to see some entertaining battles. You will be given three days to adjust to your new life. There are training decks, and everyone will be assigned their own rooms here. Oh, by the way, we are currently in your cafeteria. Thought I should mention that.

"Oh, and before I forget, the first round, none of you will be able to observe the other battles. We want to keep it a surprise. The last few rounds will have this rule as well due to the low numbers.

"The men currently holding your chains will be assigned as your escort and assistant. They will help to train you in combat, and make sure that you aren't doing things that... We wouldn't want, such as suicide, attempts to escape, etc."

Zarbeck sighed and nodded.

"Am I forgetting anything?..." Nanylix whispered. "Well, if I have forgotten anything, I'm sure I can bring it up later. Oh, and as for the rules, in the Arena, anything goes. Remember: three days before we begin round one. We hope you enjoy your stay, although how long you will be staying, well, that depends on you.

"Welcome to the Arena."

My eyes were shifting everywhere, taking everything in. I don't know what kind of sick and twisted game they were playing, all I knew was that I was caught in the middle of it.

Nanylix's last few words echoed in my head.

Welcome to the Arena.